Towbar - Fiat Ducato v's Autotrail Tribute

BabsW

Guest
Hi all, phoned around for a quote to fit a towbar to my Tribute 670 last week. Somewhat taken aback at the £965 price I was given!!! When queried, the chap was saying he only had one listed that would fit my van, and it was an Autotrail towbar kit retailing around the £900 mark. I was expecting sub £500ish, as I know of other's having paid £350ish to have towbar fitted to their Tributes. So, is there a reason that they would not be able to fit a standard Fiat Ducato towbar onto my van? If it's still on the original van chassis etc, I don't see why it would be different and more than double the cost. Is it just a bit of a gimmick for Autotrail to sell very expensive parts, and could I actually just fit a Ducato towbar? Main use of towbar will mainly be for fitting a bike rack onto, but may also tow my motorbike on a bike trailer on the odd occasion. Advice appreciated :)
 
The only reason I can see is if the mounting points have been used for another purpose, but I think that is very unlikely.
 
colinmd said:
The only reason I can see is if the mounting points have been used for another purpose, but I think that is very unlikely.
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What would be fitted to the mounting points? Internal seating/units etc or something external?
 
ok, think I will have to pop into a towbar garage and get them to have a look, see if standard Fiat Ducato towbar will fit - can't see why it wouldn't.
 
BabsW said:
ok, think I will have to pop into a towbar garage and get them to have a look, see if standard Fiat Ducato towbar will fit - can't see why it wouldn't.
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On a standard fiat van the chassie ends just behind the bumper I expect yours has a overhang making the fixing points further in from rear of van so needing a purpose made towbar then the price goes up. I should have thought any local garage would be happy to fit it for you.
 
BabsW said:
ok, think I will have to pop into a towbar garage and get them to have a look, see if standard Fiat Ducato towbar will fit - can't see why it wouldn't.
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The issue with Motorhomes is that they have chassis extensions to support the (extended) rear of the vehicle. Our Hymer has a standard Fiat chassis but then has the (Hymer?) extensions bolted directly to the rear of the chassis. These are what can limit the towing weight and cause problems for tow bat fitting. The Waitling bar I bought had spreader plates that bolted to the sides of the extension.

Keith
 
I refitted my tb to my chassis last week .. it is just a towbar ..the sort of thing a wrecker would let you have for £30 or ebay etc

the main fixings were the rear most leaf spring hanger plate bolts (2) and 4 smaller 8mm bolts that also bolt into the hangers (2 each side)

so..if you van is like mine with no extension then it should be a cheap job ;)
yesterday I parked next to a tribute 2004 and yes it was identical in every way to mine
 
Our 15 plate tribute 670 had standard Ducato towbar no special requirements paying for ( this is for a motorhome sir/ madam)
 
Yea, I think it's a standard PVC motorhome - don't think it has any extensions. Am hoping standard fit ducato tb will fit, not about to pay out a grand for a towbar :(
 
Give Mike Parkinson in Freckleton, Lancashire 01772 635215 / 07887 997693 a ring and ask him for a quote, he`s very good and has a fantastic reputation :hammer: :dance:

Home - Motorhome Towbars Lancashire Blackpool Preston Manchester

I know it`s a long way from you but it`ll give you an idea of price, tell him the make, model etc. and he has them all on his data base.

He does it from home and will lend you a car for the few hours it takes, Lytham St Annes and Blackpool are only 15 minutes away if you fancy that.

I`ve had 2 towbars fitted by him now and i`m more than happy to recommend him, i think you find several members on here have used him as well.
 
Wooie1958 said:
Give Mike Parkinson in Freckleton, Lancashire 01772 635215 / 07887 997693 a ring and ask him for a quote, he`s very good and has a fantastic reputation :hammer: :dance:

Home*-*Motorhome Towbars Lancashire Blackpool Preston Manchester

I know it`s a long way from you but it`ll give you an idea of price, tell him the make, model etc. and he has them all on his data base.

He does it from home and will lend you a car for the few hours it takes, Lytham St Annes and Blackpool are only 15 minutes away if you fancy that.

I`ve had 2 towbars fitted by him now and i`m more than happy to recommend him, i think you find several members on here have used him as well.
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Thank you :)
 
I had quotes for 5-600 ,I need the dedicated wiring kit to keep the vans warranty intact
It will be a standard fit for the xlwb vans so no need for an Autotrail one
 
I have a Chausson Flash 08 and the chassis rails stop just after the rear wheels so a bit of overhang. I went to a specialised fitter who extended the chassis rails which they tailor make on site to fit. Included a full length steel bar corner to corner (so hopefully I shouldn't damage my rear bumper) with polished stainless steel cover (printed metal plate riveted to this with your weight, reg no etc) tow ball and electrics all for £690. Extremely neat job and very well pleased with workmanship/finish. Bob.
 
ChrisInNotts said:
The issue with Motorhomes is that they have chassis extensions to support the (extended) rear of the vehicle. Our Hymer has a standard Fiat chassis but then has the (Hymer?) extensions bolted directly to the rear of the chassis. These are what can limit the towing weight and cause problems for tow bat fitting. The Waitling bar I bought had spreader plates that bolted to the sides of the extension.

Keith
Click to expand...
. The posters van is a panel van conversion so should not be a problem .
 
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